I’ve blinked and we’re somehow half way through February…

I hope you’re having a positive start to the new year, perhaps you’ve been busy sewing or planning your next creations.

In the last few months most of my focus has been on the Capsule Course which is now up and running and feeling so positive. With twice as many participants this time the forum is popping with ideas and appreciation for everyones questions and creativity, it’s a lovely thing to be part of.

Now that the course is live I’ve been able to take a moment to sew something new and unrelated to work - I think it’s called sewing for pleasure! It’s such a treat to sew a garment to fill a gap in my wardrobe without it being related to a course or big pattern launch so this project felt like a nice present to myself.

I first developed the Daphne Trouser pattern in the autumn of 2021 and I was very surprised to recently realise I haven’t touched this pattern since the launch. The 3 pairs I’ve had in my wardrobe have stayed a size 10 while I’ve shifted to be a size 12 so it felt like quite a hostile pattern for a while. While the Worker Trousers and Spring Trousers have the additional ease to allow for fluctuating sizes, the Daphne Trouser has a fitted high waist which means it needs to fit well to be comfortable. It felt long overdue to make a new pair that actually fit me and it’s been so nice to rediscover this pattern.

Clothing will alter how you feel. So while the Workers make me feel strong and practical and the Spring Trousers make me feel comfortable and elegant, there’s a sort of elevated poise that comes with a fitted high waist and long, straight leg. These trousers make me feel chic and smart and slipping the trousers over my waist and feeling that brilliant fit again was SO rewarding.

So with Valentines in mind this is my love letter to the Daphnes, the timeless, stylish cut that I have rediscovered.

Hetty

x

Gallery

 

Make Notes:

Pattern: Daphne Trousers - this pattern also comes with a full online workshop

I used an incredible denim from Merchant & Mills (Classic Blue12oz Organic Denim). It’s the most wonderful weight and quality. It has that sturdy and durable feeling that good denim should.

I used a thick topstitching thread and selected a long stitch length. This really elevates the whole piece, in particular the topstitching on the back darts. If you’re using a topstitch thread I really recommend playing with your stitch length as it has such a huge impact on the finished look.

I cut a size 12 and added a further 6cm to the length. At 5ft 10" I have a huge fear of trousers shrinking in the wash and not having enough length to drop the hem again.

Instead of using the ankle cuffs that come with the pattern I left the extra length on and made an enormous hem by folding the fabric up the wrong way. This gives me lots of extra length incase they shrink and I need to re-hem. It does mean that the overlocking is on the outside but I don’t mind that.

I opted for a cream button rather than a metal denim button. The button helps elevate the piece and subtly matches the stitching.

The internal binding is offcuts of a beautiful cotton khadi from the Cloth House. We all know how I feel about a stripey bias binding. Enough said.

I attached the waistband by first adding a binding to the inside, sewing the front on and then stitching in the ditch to attach the back. This is my new favourite method for waistbands and I love the effect on this garment.

If you'd like to sew your own pair of Daphne Trousers you have a few options. You could follow the Daphne Trouser Online Workshop, make them as part of your trouser capsule in the Art of Trouser Making or use the Daphne Trouser PDF Pattern.